Key dates in EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI): the 2024 inventories, the November 1, 2027 compliance date and baseline inventory, and the 10-year replacement deadline.
Sources: EPA and CDC, linked inline. Last checked 2026-10-09. This guide is general information, not medical, legal or plumbing advice.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2024 | Initial service line inventories due; water systems had to make them publicly accessible and submit them to the state (EPA). Notification of service line material also started on this date (EPA). |
| November 1, 2027 | LCRI compliance date. Baseline inventory (including lead connectors) and a service line replacement plan are due; the lead action level drops from 0.015 mg/L to 0.010 mg/L (EPA, EPA). |
| November 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028 | First replacement “program year” (EPA). |
| January 30, 2029, then every January 30 | Inventory updates submitted to the state and posted (EPA). |
| 10 years after November 1, 2027 | Deadline to replace all lead and GRR service lines under the water system's control, unless the system qualifies for a deferred deadline or the state sets a shorter one (EPA). Unknown lines must be identified by the same deadline. |
What the rule requires
EPA: “The LCRI requires all community water systems (CWSs) and non transient non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) to fully replace all lead and GRR service lines under their control within 10 years, unless the system is eligible for a deferred deadline or the State sets a shortened deadline.” (EPA) The inventory “is a living dataset that should be continually revised over time as systems replace lead and GRR service lines and identify the material of … service lines.”
Status in 2026
As of 2026-10-09, EPA's published guidance (including its June 2026 primacy FAQ and August 2026 inventory tips) still uses the November 1, 2027 compliance date. The rule is being challenged in court; dates could change, so check your utility and EPA for current information.
Check your address: look up your service line in your utility's published inventory.
Frequently asked questions
When must lead service lines be replaced?
Under EPA's 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, water systems must replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines under their control within 10 years of the November 1, 2027 compliance date, unless they qualify for a deferred deadline or the state sets a shorter one.
What is due on November 1, 2027?
The LCRI compliance date: water systems must submit a baseline service line inventory (including lead connectors) and a service line replacement plan, and the lead action level becomes 0.010 mg/L.